Welcome to the British Racecourses review of the popular Sky Bet horse racing betting site, conducted in June 2026.

British Racecourses have reviewed Sky Bet to bring you the current bonuses, info and top features from this leading UK bookmaker.

Join us as we explore Sky Bet, a popular choice for online horse racing betting. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the entire Sky Bet website to help you decide if it’s the correct online betting account for you.

Sky Bet, sometimes styled as SkyBet, is one of the many options available for those interested in online horse racing betting. While Sky UK is renowned for its TV, music, and film services, it’s worth noting that a separate company operates its gambling arm. This means you can bet on horse racing with Sky Bet without needing a Sky Entertainment package.

Whether you’re new to betting or a seasoned punter, let’s explore the features that make Sky Bet a popular choice in the world of online sports betting.

SkyBet Horse Racing Free Bet Bonus

If you are looking to wager bets on horse racing, the Sky Bet welcome bonus is an amazing deposit of £5, and you get £30 free.

Sky Bet Horse Racing BET 5 GET 30 FREE

Play

NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE & E/W BET ONLY. 5P MINIMUM STAKE. 3 X £10 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS EXCLUDE VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY. #AD 18+. BEGAMBLEAWARE.ORG

Full T&C's Apply

The £30 free horse racing bet was recently voted one of the best horse racing betting sites with welcome bonuses in June 2026.

How does the Sky Bet bonus code compare with other offers?

Check out our comparison of Skybet vs the biggest bookmakers’ sign-up offers.

Skybet vs Bet365

The main difference between SkyBet and bet365 is the sign-up offers, with existing betting promotions at bet365.com being significantly higher.

Bet365 offer a £50 free bet bonus for new customers, while Skybet’s sign-up offer is only £20 in comparison.

A significant difference between the two betting giants is that bet365 offers higher maximum payout limits than Skybet, and also provides faster withdrawal payouts at bet365.com.

Skybet vs Paddy Power

The main difference between SkyBet and Paddy Power is that you can unlock a £20 free bet from just an initial £5 wager at SkyBet. Paddy Power offers a nice welcome bonus, but it isn’t quite as valuable or as easy to obtain as Skybet’s.

Sky Bet and Paddy Power, both owned by Flutter Entertainment plc, offer similar odds and betting promotions for existing customers. Flutter Entertainment brands consistently offer exciting promotions for existing players. They are well-known for providing players the ability to lock in cashback rewards, free bets, and additional deposit boosts.

Skybet vs Betfair

The main difference between SkyBet and Betfair is that Betfair’s new customer sign-up offer is superior, with a bet 10 get 30 free bet bonus, as opposed to SkyBet’s bet 5 get 20 bonus.

Sky Bet and Betfair, both owned by Flutter Entertainment plc, offer similar odds and betting promotions for existing customers. Flutter Entertainment brands consistently offer exciting promotions for existing players. They are well-known for providing players the ability to lock in cashback rewards, free bets, and additional deposit boosts.

Skybet vs William Hill

The main difference between SkyBet and William Hill is that punters prefer William Hill’s deposit methods, which allow Skrill and Neteller payments from prepaid cards.

UK horse racing punters concluded that William Hill is better than Sky Bet for being a safer and more reputable brand to place bets on, due to the visibility of the betting shops on the high streets throughout the United Kingdom.

Skybet vs Betfred

The main difference between SkyBet and Betfred is that Betfred’s sign-up offer for new customers is far superior, with a bet 10 get 60 free bet bonus.

Betfred was voted a better betting brand than Skybet due to its reputation and visibility, with its betting shops visible in most towns across the UK.

Overview of the Sky Bet Website and Brand

Sky Bet was formed in 2001, under the same branding as Rupert Murdoch’s multimedia empire.

The brand began by acquiring a small, independent bookmaker called Surrey Sports and subsequently added a business called the UK Betting to their ranks, widely considered the first-ever online gambling website. They also quickly added Total Bet and a raft of other sites to the Sky family.

Following that, Sky Betting was heavily advertised and promoted on the company’s TV channels, and it became one of the major players in the online gambling market.

In 2014, though, a Canadian business named CVC Capital Partners (registered in the UK as Bonne Terre Limited) became the majority shareholder in Sky Bet. This is worth noting, as it will become apparent later that this has led to mixed fortunes.

As far as a gambling website goes, Sky Bet is among one of the best horse betting sites around in terms of layout and accessibility.

It’s easy to find what you’re looking for and to place a bet, whether this is on a horse race or any of the other broad and varied events covered by the Sky Bet sportsbook, and you’ll be provided with an online bet slip that confirms your wager.

With so many websites on the market vying for your online bets, it’s essential to learn what welcome bonuses Sky Betting can provide. Winning after using your cash for stakes is sweeter, but winning on the back of free bet stakes or boosted odds is even better.

Sky offers numerous free bets, as they are extremely popular with both new and existing customers. Many betting sites offer free bets, so make sure to check out other betting deals!

Free bets at Sky can be used on a range of notable horse racing events, including the Cheltenham Festival.

New Sky betting customers are entitled to £20 in free bets once they place their first £5 wager on a horse race, or any other kind of sporting event, regardless of the odds.

These free bets do not expire, though; as always, terms and conditions apply when cashing in a free bet. Make sure you’re aware of any free bet stakes.

Wagering Requirements

The minimum deposit to your Sky account is £5, unless you’re using PayPal betting, in which case it’s £10.

To get these current free bets to offer, you have to place a £5 minimum bet.

New customers can use the free bets on popular races, such as Grand National events and the Cheltenham Festival; terms apply.

Ongoing Promotions & Sky Bet Offers

Regularly check in with Sky Bet for the latest promotions – this provider often boosts odds, so if you make a qualifying bet, you may bolster how much you’re able to win.

The markets are constantly changing, as are odds and stakes, so keep an eye out for a potential bonus.

Naturally, Sky Bet markets its promotions to customers through email and text messages.

Loyalty Promotions & Sky Bet Player Rewards

Customers who enjoy their Sky Bet experience can sign up for the Sky Bet Club. This loyalty scheme offers £5 in free bets when stakes of £25 or more are wagered within a week.

These free bets can be placed on any sport, including horse racing.

Other promotions and bonus offers will also be made available to Sky Bet Club members. These vary and are typically not disclosed in advance. As with any act of gambling, you pay your money and take your chances.

To sign up for a Sky Bet Account, follow these steps:

Follow the links provided on our page to access the official Sky Bet website.
Click the JOIN button, located in the top right corner.
You will then need to fill in your details, including your name, age, and any other relevant information.
You may be required to supply some form of ID.
Once the account is approved, you can make a deposit.
Should this deposit meet any wagering requirements, any free bets or sign-up offers will be added to your account.
You are then free to wager as you like!

Events to Bet On – Sky Bet Sports Markets

In addition to horse racing, Sky Bet welcomes betting on the following sports markets.

Athletics
American Football
Australian Rules Football (Aussie Rules)
Baseball
Basketball
Bowls
Boxing
Cricket
Cycling
Darts
eSports
Football (national leagues, overseas leagues and international tournaments)
Formula One and other Motorsports
Golf
Greyhound Racing
Handball
Ice Hockey
MMA
Netball
Pro and Amateur Wrestling
Rugby Union and Rugby League (national leagues and international tournaments)
Snooker
Table Tennis
Tennis
Volleyball
Winter Sports

Sky Bet also offers bets on novelty events, such as politics, music, the Tote Placepot, and TV or film.

Here are all the articles related to the market-leading UK Sky Bet bookmaker:

Popular Horse Racing Bets

Sky Bets offers a wide range of popular horse racing bet types.

You can stake a wager on an outright win, hedge your bets with each way betting by studying the form, or amass an accumulator based on numerous runners at races across the country.

This can be the best way to use your betting funds, mixing and matching between a favourite and less popular runners to gain the best value on your odds.

You can bet on popular horse racing events, such as the Grand National, with Sky.

Mobile Betting & Sky Bet Sports App

Sky Bet has a mobile betting app that is just as user-friendly as its website.

If you like to do your betting on the move, whether that’s on horse racing or any other sport, the app is worth a download.

Always remember to gamble responsibly. Contact the national gambling helpline if you are struggling to stop. Check the terms that apply to any special offers, such as free bets.

Does Sky Bet Offer In-Play Betting?

In-play betting is one of Sky’s biggest strengths.

The site tracks statistics throughout an event (though, unless you’re betting on horse racing, you won’t be able to watch it live), and you can cash out your bets if you wish.

Naturally, the odds of a horse race or match will also fluctuate based on what is occurring. Keep an eye on your bet slip and pick the best moment to act.

Does Sky Bet Offer Live Streaming?

The Sky Bet live streaming service has drastically been reduced, but you can still watch horse racing through the website or app, albeit for a fee.

This may seem a bit bizarre, seeing as Sky TV is synonymous with sport in this nation, but the betting arm is not affiliated with the entertainment business.

Can you Cash Out on Sky Bet?

On some bets on Sky, you can cash out. It is best to review the terms and conditions before placing a bet, as they are subject to change.

Always check the gaming general promotion terms.

Payment Methods & Depositing with Sky Bet

Sky Bet offer several ways to deposit into your account. The following sources of funds and betting payment types are all accepted by Sky Bet:

Debit card
Prepaid MasterCard (betting with an active credit card is against the rules, as it is illegal in the UK)
PayPal

Check the rules and regulations on the website to ensure that your betting stake entitles you to any bonus, such as a free bet or enhanced odds, that you are hoping for.

You won’t get your money back on a stake if you don’t feel that you’re getting an appropriate value for your outlay, as you didn’t read the small print and made a non-qualifying bet.

Can you deposit on Sky Bet with PayPal?

Paypal is accepted at Sky Bet.

On the webpage, navigate to ‘Deposit Funds’ and enter the amount you’d like to deposit. Select ‘Deposit Funds Now’ from the drop-down menu.

You’ll be sent to a PayPal screen, where you’ll be asked to enter your email address (if you’re using PayPal for the first time) and your PayPal password.

You’ll be led to a ‘Review Your Payment’ screen where you’ll see the payment details.

To complete the transaction, click ‘Pay Now.’

For more PayPal-accepting betting sites, check out our guide.

Withdrawal Options

If you win big with Sky, you’ll be keen to claim your cash as quickly as possible.

Typically, withdrawals must be made using the same source as your deposit.

If you bank with Barclays or Nationwide, consider betting using your debit card seriously. These banks promise to deliver your funds within a matter of hours. Anybody else will likely need to wait a few days, at least for now.

Who Owns Sky Bet?

As discussed, Sky Betting is not owned by a national media company of the same name. It’s one of many companies under which Sky trademarks operate. The Sky logo, which is so omnipresent, is used under licence.

Sky online bets are owned and operated by CVC Capital Partners, trading in the UK as Bonne Terre Limited.

Do not expect to receive any additional free bets, betting offers, odds boost, or a bonus on your betting because you spend three figures on Sky TV and broadband – they are entirely separate legal and corporate entities, despite the likes of Jamie Carragher and Jeff Stelling featuring prominently in Sky Bet advertising.

Licensing

Sky Bets is licensed to offer betting services online by the UK Gambling Commission.

The license number for Sky Bet is 038718. If you encounter any issues with your bets or need to make a withdrawal, please get in touch with us.

Make sure you gamble responsibly and within your means. Contact the national gambling helpline if you are struggling to manage your finances or time due to gambling.

Software

Sky Bet plays its cards close to its chest when discussing the software powering its website and app.

The software designers and coders are referred to as the “Sky Bet Gaming Team.”

I Have Heard Mixed Reviews About Sky Bet

OK, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Ever since CVC Capital Partners acquired Sky Bet, the brand has faced a series of setbacks to its reputation.

It’s not our place to say whether Sky Bet acts morally – we’re here to provide information, not judgment. Our personal experience in placing bets with this brand has been positive.

All the same, we do advise a quick Google and reading up on the experiences of other customers who have used Sky Bet in recent years. Whether betting on horse racing, football, or any other sport, it’s safe to say that this brand has had its share of ups and downs.

As always, it’s a matter of personal choice as to whether you use Sky Bet or place your bets through another new betting site.

We recommend that customers use this service with all the available information. Online gambling is all fun and games until you don’t receive your payout.

This hobby is called gambling for a reason, so there are no guarantees. You’ll want to ensure that you get at least a fighting chance of making your money back on your bets, though.

Value is in the eye of the beholder, but customers should only open an online betting account with a brand they trust.

Sky Bet Customer Support

Sky Bet offers a variety of ways for customers to get in touch. There is no generic Contact Us form to fill in, but you’ll have access to a live chat facility, a telephone number, and the company’s Twitter account and Facebook Messenger. Alternatively, you can email support@skybet.com.

As always, though, asking a question in a public forum like Twitter is the most likely to gain a quick response.

If you use Sky Bet, you’re unlikely to need support in locating stakes, odds, rules of the site or other necessities to play the betting market.

The site is very well paid out

Does Sky Bet Support Self-Exclusion?

This is one of the areas in which Sky Bet has a murky reputation. Sky Bet has been forced to make several payouts in compensation to gamblers who have self-excluded due to actions that were deemed inappropriate.

The brand has continued to send betting offers to punters who have been attempting to cool off and take a break from gambling, allowed problem gamblers to open multiple accounts (strictly against the rules of most bookmakers), and even banned self-excluded customers from making a withdrawal after a winning bet.

If you have any reason to be worried about your gambling, Sky Bet is probably best avoided. Please do not pay the price for a corporate mentality that appears to prioritise profits over the welfare of its customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Sky TV customer to gamble with Sky Bet?

No you don’t need to be a Sky customer to use Sky Bet.

Although it shares iconography and branding with affiliated companies, the Sky Bet brand is a completely independent service to Sky TV, owned and operated by a different company.

Your ability to bet on a horse race is not reliant on spending money on TV channels.

Can you watch horse racing on Sky Bet?

Sky Bet offers live streaming of horse racing for a fee.

If you want to watch how another sporting event, such as a football match, is unfolding to see if your bet is likely to win, you’ll need to find somewhere with Sky TV.

Can you put a placepot on Sky Bet?

Yes, Sky Bet accepts a placepot wager on any race in the UK, whether that’s the Cheltenham Festival, the Grand National at Aintree or anywhere else.

What racecourses are on Sky Sports Racing?

The following racecourses are covered on Sky Sports Racing:

You’ll still be able to bet on other racecourses, including major tracks and events like Cheltenham, through Sky Bet.

You can check out the horse racing results.

Does Sky Bet payout winnings quickly?

Officially, it can take up to 5 days of winnings to reach a bank account after a Sky Bet withdrawal.

However, customers that gamble using a Barclays or Nationwide debit card will enjoy the fruits of the ‘Fast Withdrawal’ service, meaning they could receive their winnings in mere hours.

Sky Bet claim to be working with other banks to extend this offer.

Is Sky Bet regulated?

Sky Bet, and all affiliated gambling partners, are fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission under licence number 038718.

Does Sky Bet have a bet 10 get 40 offer?

Sky Bet doesn’t currently have a bet 10 get 40 offer.

This could change in the near future so keep a keen eye out for any new promotions they may announce.

Sometimes, you may even see some new promos added by Sky Bet for races such as The Cheltenham festival or Royal Ascot, for example.

Final Thoughts about Sky Bet

Suppose you’re a casual punter who is just looking for a bit of fun with an occasional flutter on the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival or a one-off event like a football match. In that case, Sky Bet is easy to navigate and offers a wide range of sports on which you can bet, both nationally and internationally. For such customers, Sky Bet is likely to meet all their needs.

If you’re a seasoned punter who knows your runners and riders and is prone to making big profits on horse racing, however, there may be more attractive betting brands for you.

Also, read our guide to compare betting sites if you need more information on what you should be looking out for.

If you are lucky enough to win on a bet, check out our top free betting calculator today.

British Racecourses provides betting content for informational purposes only. All opinions are subjective, and no guarantees are offered. Please gamble responsibly.

Sky Bet Horse Racing 2026